66-Year-Old Man Found Dead in Lake Lanier After Routine Swim, No Foul Play Suspected

Brent James Williams, a 66-year-old Gainesville man who routinely swam in Lake Lanier, was found dead in the lake after going missing during an evening swim near a private dock on Sportsman Club Drive. His body was recovered early Thursday morning by the Hall County Fire Rescue Marine Rescue team using an underwater drone, approximately 10 feet from the dock and submerged about 12 feet underwater. Authorities, including the Hall County Sheriff's Office and Gainesville Fire Department, responded to the scene following a 911 call from one of Williams' tenants who reported him missing after he failed to return from his swim. There is no suspicion of foul play in this case, and an autopsy is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. Williams' belongings were found on the dock by the tenant prior to the discovery of his body. The Hall County officials have notified Williams' next of kin of his passing.